Sony launches hybrid 'Vaio Flip' for Rs 94,990

Japanese technology giant Sony today unveiled a range of hybrid laptops -- Flip -- priced Rs 94,990 onwards to cash in on the growing consumer preference for new smart form factors.

A hybrid, also called 2-in-1, is a device which can be used both as a laptop and a tablet. The form factor is gaining acceptance among consumers who are looking for productivity and mobility in a single device.

"People have smartphones but when it comes to work, they still prefer to take out their laptops. With our Flip range, they will have the mobility of the tablet with the productivity of a laptop," Sony VAIO India Product Manager Shoji Ohma said here.

The company has introduced 13, 14 and 15-inch variants of the device priced between Rs 94,990 and Rs 1,19,990.

Talking about the hybrid market in the country, he said the segment is still niche.

"Since it is a niche category as of now, the devices are priced on the higher side. But in the next 1-2 years, we will see this category becoming more popular given its benefits and there will be more devices in the Rs 50,000-60,000 range," Ohma added.

Sony, which sells laptops under the Vaio brand name, also offers tablets under its Xperia range.

The IT division accounts for about 20 per cent of Sony India's revenues.

The Windows 8-powered Flip can be converted to a laptop, tablet and viewer modes by flipping the display over the hinge. These are powered by 4th generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors. The Vaio Flip F13N also has 8MP rear camera.

Sony will bundle its premium headphone worth Rs 12,990 with the device. Buyers will also get access to Jive, which will offer unlimited songs download for 3 months from a collection of more than 1.5 million songs.